BERLIN: Germany will urge the European Union to scrap a planned 2035 ban on the sale of combustion engine cars, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday, as Berlin battles to boost its embattled car industry.
Speaking at a press conference, Merz said he would write to the European Commission on Friday to ask it to permit the sale of hybrid and highly efficient combustion engine cars beyond 2035 in addition to electric vehicles (EVs).
“We’re sending the right signal to the commission with this letter,” Merz said, adding that the German government wanted to protect the climate in “a technology-neutral way.”
The EU’s planned ban has faced complaints from some automakers that it was unworkable given European drivers’ tepid takeup of EVs.
The EU in September said it would fast-track a review of its plans to give carmakers more certainty.
